This officer is an excellent navigator who possesses exceptional courage and coolness, which he has demonstrated in many emergencies. During a daylight attack on Wilhelmshaven the aircraft in which he was flying was attacked and damaged by enemy fighters. While on the way to the rear turret to assist the wounded gunner, Flying Officer Desroches fell through the escape hatch but caught himself on his elbows. After he was assisted back into the aircraft he rendered first aid to the wounded, operated the wireless and navigated the aircraft to the target and back to base. He has performed his duties at all times in a thoroughly efficient manner and recently applied to be allowed to continue on operations until his present captain and crew completed their tour of duty. Flying Officer Desroches has set a splendid example to the squadron.

NOTE:

Public Record Office Air 2/8950 has recommendation dated 18 March 1943 when he had flown 32 ½ sorties (182 hours 35 minutes); the sea search on 23 January 1943 was counted as a half-sortie. The daylight raid on Wilhelmshaven mentioned in the text was on 6 November 1942. One peculiar entry is a sortie listed for 13 May 1942 (Cologne); this is more likely to read 30 May 1942 and was likely performed between regular tours. The document gives his name as Joseph Olivier Leopold Desroches.

16 Sept 41 Le Havre (5.40)

23 Nov 42 GARDENING (4.10)

10 Oct 41 Ostend (5.30)

31 Oct 41 Dunkirk (3.20)

7 Nov 41 Boulogne (4.50)

12 Nov 41 Hamburg (5.25)

8 Dec 41 Aachen (4.15)

28 Dec 41 Wilhelmshaven (4.55)

6 Jan 42 Brest (3.10)

9 Jan 42 Brest (5.45)

10 Jan 42 Wilhelmshaven (6.25)

12 Jan 42 Hamburg (6.40)

17 Jan 42 Bremen (6.00)

21 Jan 42 Hanover (7.00)

13 May 42 Cologne (6.10)

6 Oct 42 Osnabruck (6.25)

13 Oct 42 Kiel (6.25)

6 Nov 42 Wilhelmshaven (5.15)

25 Nov 42 GARDENING (7.10)

6 Dec 42 Mannheim (5.45)

7 Dec 42 GARDENING (5.00)

11 Dec 42 GARDENING (5.25)

2 Jan 43 GARDENING (4.00)

23 Jan 43 Sea search (3.45)

26 Jan 43 Lorient (7.00)

3 Feb 43 Hamburg (6.20)

7 Feb 43 Lorient (6.15)

11 Feb 43 GARDENING (4.45)

13 Feb 43 Lorient (6.40)

16 Feb 43 Lorient (6.30)

19 Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven (5.05)

24 Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven (5.55)

26 Feb 43 Cologne

6 Nov 42 Wilhelmshaven (5.15)

Pilot Officer Desroches, Canadian, in the Royal Canadian Air Force, has proven himself to be an excellent navigator who possesses courage and exceptional coolness in emergency. This was demonstrated on a daylight attack against Wilhelmshaven when the aircraft he was navigating was attacked and damaged by enemy fighters. When he went back to the rear turret to assist the wounded rear gunner, Pilot Officer Desroches fell through the escape hatch but caught himself on his elbows. After he had been helped back into the aircraft, he rendered first aid to wounded crew members, operated the wireless and navigated the aircraft on to the target and then back to base.

On making application, Pilot Officer Desroches was given permission to continue flying on operations until his present captain and crew completed their normal tour of 30 sorties. Such a request exemplifies further the courage and keenness of this officer.

The Officer Commanding, Station Dishforth, added his comments on 20 March 1943:

Pilot Officer Desroches has taken part in raids against some of the most heavily defended targets in enemy territory including Osnabruck, Kiel and Hamburg. Always he has carried out his duties in a thoroughly efficient manner. He has a strong character which couples with his unquestioned courage makes him an asset to the crew and undoubtedly the right-hand man of his captain. I endorse the comments of the Squadron Commander and recommend that Pilot Officer Desroches be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Air Vice-Marshal G.E. Brookes, Air Officer Commanding, No.6 Group, endorsed the recommendation on 29 March 1943.